John S. Southard

John S. Southard, 74, of Rockford, died unexpectedly on Monday, November 30, 2015, with his loving family at his side. John was born in Littleton, New Hampshire, on February 15, 1941 to parents, Elmer and Margaret (Heywood) Southard. John married his devoted wife of 49 years, Mary (Marti) Southard, on July 2, 1966. John received his Undergraduate Degree from the University of Colorado, Boulder and his Masters in Social Work from the University of Louisville. He also served in the Army National Guard. John was honored by the University of Colorado as a Living Legend in 2011for his outstanding contributions as part of the college’s ski team. While a member of the NCAA championship ski team, he received the bronze medal in the downhill at Squaw Valley; he was part of the All-American Ski Team and member of the 1964 Olympic tryout team. John learned how to ski at Mount Eustis in Littleton, NH, and was happy to hear that the mountain had recently reopened. John worked for the Rockford Public Schools for thirty years as a social worker. Throughout his career in the schools, he helped and counseled numerous children and their families. He was also the recipient of the Social Worker of the Year Award. John was a gift to the lives he touched, and we will miss him always.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Southard; his daughters, Emily (David) Towle and Anne Southard; his grandchildren, Rod, Mason, Aaron, and Dylan; brothers James (Sally) and Mark (Vicki) Southard; and nieces and nephews. John is predeceased by his parents.

An open house celebration of John’s life will be held at Lino’s Restaurant. Please contact John’s family for information about time and date. Memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Eustis Ski Hill, PO Box 29, Littleton, NH, 03561 c/o All Kids Get to Ski in memory of John Southard or to the American Cancer Society. Arrangements cared for by Fitzgerald Funeral Home, 1860 S. Mulford Rd., Rockford, IL, 61108. To share memories and condolences online, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com